Presentation Transcript

Atrial Fibrillation :

What is Atrial Fibrillation :

What is Atrial Fibrillation February 26, 2010 2 Atrial Fibrillation is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia.
It involves the upper two chambers of the heart, called the Atria.
Also called A fib.

What are the Signs and Symptoms? :

What are the Signs and Symptoms? Some people have no symptoms at all.
The symptoms are usually associated with a rapid heart beat.
Edema, especially in ankles and feet.
Lightheadedness or fainting can occur.
Weakness, lack of energy, shortness of breath and chest pain. February 26, 2010 3

Who is at Risk? :

Who is at Risk? Atrial Fibrillation normally occurs in people older then 65. It tends to be more common in men then women and in whites more then blacks. February 26, 2010 4

What are Possible Complications? :

What are Possible Complications? While Atrial Fibrillation isn’t normally life threatening, it can cause some complications such as:
Fainting
Congestive heart failure
Strokes February 26, 2010 5

Complications (Cont.) :

Complications (Cont.) A person with Atrial Fibrillation is at high risk for a stoke. Somebody with Atrial Fibrillation is 7x more likely to have a stroke then somebody without it. February 26, 2010 6

How is it Diagnosed? :

How is it Diagnosed? Atrial Fibrillation is usually diagnosed by an electrocardiogram (ECG)
Or an Echocardiogram
Sometimes extended evaluation is necessary, but usually isn’t.
Also a chest xray can be done, but like the extended evaluation, it usually isn’t necessary. 7

What are the Treatments? :

What are the Treatments? In most cases medications are enough. A person with A-Fib will need medications to regulate the heart rate and blood thinners to avoid strokes. 8

Treatment (Cont.) :

Treatment (Cont.) Some people need what’s called a pacemaker. A pacemaker uses a medical device that uses electrical impulses, delivered by the electrodes connected to the heart muscle to regulate the beat of the heart. February 26, 2010 9